86 Coupe vs. 87 Targa Pro/Con?

[83SC in PA]

I found a one owner '86 sunroof coupe with 41K and all books and records recently.


The same guy also has an '87 Targa with 67K but no records.

I'm tempted to sell my '83 SC to buy the '86 which is about $2K more than the '87.


I really like my SC because of its personality and color not to mention that it's very easy to work on but this '86 is like a brand new car. I'd like to get some opinions about the '86 vs. the '87. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[83SC in PA]

I meant to insert pics of the '86 and '87 but they didn't take. They are both Guards Red. Sorry about the lack of pics. I tried...

[emcon5]

86 Coupe


'87 Targa

[83SC in PA]

Those would be the cars...thanks Emcon5

[This message has been edited by 83SC in PA (edited 10-24-2001).]

[R22tech]

I was in same boat plus add a 90/ 964Targa to the mix. 1 owner 86 coupe w/ 41k and full documents....if it is still "BONE STOCK" w/ NO MODIFICATIONS do you really need to ask? I think you already know the answer. I bet if you just saw the 87 you wouldn't be thinking about selling the SC! Oh, I bought the 85 w/ 41k unmolested/all documents/concours perfect AND PAID MORE THAN THE 87 AND THE 90C2!!!!! Listen to your brain, heart, and, well, you know... BUY THE 86 BEFORE IT"S TOO LATE!!!!!!!

[83SC in PA]

R22Tech - I looked at it about 6 weeks ago, sat in it, started it, looked at all the documents, etc... It is bone stock. I haven't driven it yet. I have been thinking about this car daily ever since I laid eyes on it. I thought it was priced a little high but from reading this BB and Rennlist, it sounds like the price is fair(around 24K). I called the guy yesterday to see if it was still available. Since 9-11 his business has softened a bit so I think I will do my part as an American and stimulate the economy. That's justification enough, don't you think?

[speeder]

$24k is really not a bad price for that car if it checks out, records, 30k service,etc. If you can get it for less, all the better. I think that average '86 coupes with 100k miles go for high teens or $20k, is this correct?

[R22tech]

Paid $25k a year ago for mine in same condition-DEFINETELY worth the premium if all checks out!!! Go for it man-it's time for you to get the car you REALLY want- don't settle.

[rstoll]

You know you'll miss the SC.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

[MIK911]

Just bought a Guards Red '86 Coupe, sunroof, 100Kmi,stock, for $19K. Very good condition. Only thing in this Targa's favor is the G50 tranny('87on), but in my mind, i'll take the Coupe anyday, despite the antiquated 915 tranny. My $.02
Mike

[carrera]

Hmmm.....
"I like my sc color, but the 86 is like a new car"
The color of ones car can be an issue, if you really like white and are not partial to red then you may well regret this in the future. I know that when I had done this I ended up selling red, because well it was red.
Now if you do not mind red then buy it.
The targa may not be your cup of tea as there is some cowl shake amongst other attributes.
Personally although I drive a carrera I really enjoy sc's and am currently looking for one to add to my stable.
My suggestion would be to get some seat time on the 86 to be sure it is what you really want.
You may find that the carrera seems slower than your sc even though it is actually faster.
Also remember that red attracts a lot of attention, something that I try to avoid.
IMHO.. I would rather have a white sc than a red carrera, not that there is anything wrong with a red carrera.
Of course this is just my opinion but I hope that it may be helpful.
Remember "seat time is important"

[N11Porsche]

Go for the coupe, no water leaks, no wind noises & doesn't look like a bathtub - I know - looks are in the eye of the beholder. Guards Red is awesome (if you like guards red) Put a tail on it and enjoy Sounds like a great buy...... another opinion



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Bill Carcot
1979 911SC
Diablo Region, P.C.A.

[falcon]

Tough decision. Ask yourself if you like the coupe or a targa style. If you prefer a targa, then why look for a coupe and vice versa. I've had an SC coupe before but I wanted more "open space" above my head. So I looked for a targa or a cab. If you have no preference and both cars check out.....then go with what motivates you. Don't let a few buck stand in the way of true love, but don't rush love either.

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Randall
'88 911 Cab

[Mrdi]

What a great opportunity to try the 915 head to head with the G50 gearbox. Spin em both around a few times and see which box you prefer.
Mrdi

[old_skul]

The real difference is the tranny, and of course the body style. Plan on doing DEs or autox? Make sure you have enough headroom in that Coupe for a helmet. If you have enough, then it's not a real big difference (beside the tranny).

A Targa has far superior headroom to a Coupe. The Coupe is the better handler (less overhead weight, unit body is stiffer, etc.). Think about what you want to do with a 911 before you buy it. Pleasure only? I strongly recommend the Targa. Possible track duty? Get a coupe.

A 915 is a great tranny, if cared for. The G50 is easier to shift but with a 915 you eventually get used to it. It's not that big of a deal.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

[cim]

targa stiffer??!...coupe despite shade (better than red)...first service? spend time checking either....you will miss the sc...

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www.angelfire.com/va3/vw

[ebradway]

Will this be a weekend car? That '87 sounds destined to become someone's cherished daily driver whereas the '86 should remain a garage queen. As far as being easy to work on, I don't think either car would be a problem. Also, since you are already used to a 915 transmission, the G50 isn't as mig of a deal. I'd say buy the car that best fits your purposes.

BTW, at least in my end of the world (Southeast US), decent '86s with 75K+ miles are going for $15K to $18K. I didn't get any serious calls on my '86 with 177K miles for $14K. The market is really soft right now. I'm just keeping mine - maybe I'll drive it until the wheels fall off.

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Eric Bradway
'86 911 Targa
http://www.bradway.net/porsche

[R22tech]

http://www.cpivalueguide.com/main/CPIValueSearch.htm

Check this site for value of 86 coupe

[83SC in PA]

Good comments here. Negotiation will begin this weekend. Nobody's holding a gun to my head to get rid of the SC, so will proceed accordingly. Will advise.

[86Carrera]

I have an 86 Coupe. Have always greatly prefered the styling of the Coupe to the Targa, for me it would be no question there.

As for whether the 86 you're looking at is worth $24K and about SC vs. Carrera I think I can be more objective.

I paid $18K for an original, unmodifiied, adult owned 86 Coupe 1.5 years ago. I spent more than I wanted getting some things fixed / replaced and have in it close to the $24K asking price of "yours". Comparing mine to yours you got 40K miles and I have 109K.

If the paint is original, no trans. work needed, no rust bubbles (mine was from So. Cal. big plus) it's worth $24K.

As far as driving, the Carreras are like SCs only a little quieter. Same personalities, same sounds. SC feel a tad lighter, the 3.2L more refined. Complete toss up to me.

Surprisingly the toughest call for me if I were in your shoes... keep the white SC or go for the red 3.2L Coupe. I think 911s look best in white. Very hard to find clean original ones.

Keep yours or go for the Coupe, either way you'll have no regrets. One minor concern... out here in So. Cal. that red Coupe would have been sold by now. The fact that's it's still available means that I'd have it carefully checked out. Any doubts, keep yours, you know what's in it.

Pete
86Coupe